Introduction

        Pressure ulcers (PUs), also known as decubitus ulcers or “bed sores” are defined as any lesion caused by unrelieved pressure resulting in damage of underlying tissue” (1). Damage typically occurs from the inside out and can take anywhere between 1-5 days to develop. Pressure ulcers range from Stage I (mild) - Stage IV (severe). Unfortunately, PUs are common, costly and difficult to treat. Patients most at risk for PUs are those in nursing homes or hospitals or those with diabetes, vascular disease, spinal cord injuries or MS. There have been some estimates that place the management of PUs at 1.3 billion dollars per year. It has also been said that the presence of a PU can increase nursing time spent with the patient by 50% and increase the patient’s bill by $15,000 to $25,000 (2). Nutrition has always been thought to play an important role in the management of PUs. Whether or not supplementation with certain vitamins and minerals is warranted in the treatment of PUs has often been debated. Specifically, the roles of vitamin C, zinc and arginine have been suggested to aid in PU healing.

1.) Niedert KC, Dorner B. Nutrition Care of the Older Adult. 2nd ed. United States of America: American Dietetic Association;2004.

2.) Sollinger C. Nutrition Support for Pressure Ulcers. Today’s Dietitian.1999:1;30-34.

    
      Many older adults are
       at risk for developing
       pressure ulcers.